106 Questions
What is the earliest known written record of TCM?
The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic
In which dynasty were the concepts of Yin and Yang and Five Elements firmly established?
Han Dynasty
What archaeological findings from the Shang Dynasty are associated with TCM?
Acupuncture needles and divination bones
Which book is associated with the earliest reference to Yin and Yang?
Yi Jing
What concept of TCM recognizes the inseparable relationship of body, mind, spirit, and nature?
Concepts of harmony and balance
What is a key principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding the body's ability to heal?
The body has an innate self-healing capacity.
According to TCM, what is considered the best approach to healthcare?
Prevention being better than cure.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine differentiate its treatment methods?
By treating each patient based on their individual pattern.
What is a common method of treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine involving inserting needles into specific points on the body?
Acupuncture
Which of the following would be considered a typical sign for a TCM practitioner to consider when diagnosing a patient?
The sound of the patient's voice
What is one of the requirements for CNPBC Acupuncture Certification?
Minimum 100 hours of supervised clinical training
What is a distinguishing feature between ND programs in Canada and the US regarding acupuncture?
Canadian ND programs include acupuncture courses, while US ND programs do not
What makes a diploma in Acupuncture eligible for CTCMA according to the text?
1,920 Hours Lecture and 456 Hours Clinical Internship
How many hours are dedicated to Oriental Medicine/Acupuncture Theory in NCCAOM Eligibility for Acupuncture Programs?
705 hours
How can TCM be applied by Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) according to the text?
TCM principles can be combined with Naturopathic Modalities effectively
Which character represents the concept of positive electrical charge, sun, and male in Chinese medicine?
陽 / 阳
Which statement best describes the relationship between Yin and Yang?
Yin and Yang change continuously to maintain homeostasis.
What concept states that too much Yin will deplete Yang, and vice versa, leading to imbalance?
Mutual Consumption
In Chinese medicine, which season is associated with Yang, upward and outward movement, and the upper body?
Spring and Summer
What is the function of Yin according to Chinese medicine?
Cooling and Nourishing
What does tongue body colour in Traditional Chinese Medicine reflect?
The condition of the Yin Organs, Blood, and Nutritive Qi
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what does tongue coating refer to?
The layer on top of the tongue reflecting the state of the stomach
Which aspect of tongue diagnosis focuses on whether the tongue is thin or swollen in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Tongue body shape
Why is tongue diagnosis considered remarkably reliable in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
It reflects the true condition of the body irrespective of temporary conditions
What characteristic of pulse palpation in Traditional Chinese Medicine allows it to assess internal conditions?
Depth
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what does tongue shape observation focus on?
Consistency, texture, and mobility of the tongue
Which feature of the tongue indicates whether specific parts are swollen according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Tongue shape
What is the main purpose of pulse palpation in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
To assess internal conditions and imbalances
What does tongue coating provide information about?
Variety of internal conditions
How is a normal tongue described in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Moist, fresh-looking, and supple
What does pulse diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine assess?
The state of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang
Where should a TCM practitioner feel the pulse to diagnose a patient?
Radial artery
What aspect of the pulse do TCM practitioners assess to determine strength or weakness?
Fullness
Which finger is positioned at the level of the styloid process when taking the pulse of a patient?
Middle finger
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, what are TCM practitioners looking for when assessing a patient's pulse rate?
How fast or slow it is
What are some symptoms of Yin deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Red cheeks, dry stools, night sweats
Which season is associated with Yang, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Spring and Summer
What type of pulse is characteristic of Yang deficiency in TCM?
Deep, slow, weak pulse
How is Yin expressed on the tongue in TCM when there is a deficiency?
Absence of tongue coating
Which body part is associated with Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Upper body
What is a symptom of Yang deficiency according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Edema and fatigue
How does Yin deficiency manifest on the pulse based on TCM principles?
Fast, thin pulse
What is a sign of Yang imbalance in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Cold extremities, rapid pulse
What is the primary difference between Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Yin is cold and downward while Yang is hot and upward.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, which element controls Earth by covering?
Wood
What cycle in Traditional Chinese Medicine occurs when the controller is in deficiency relative to the controlled?
Controlling cycle
According to TCM principles, which cycle involves an element 'backlashing' its controller?
Insulting cycle
What condition occurs in Traditional Chinese Medicine when an element is deficient?
It will fail to nourish the child on the generating cycle.
Which cycle is activated when an element allows an insult to itself by creating a relative excess in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Pathology cycle
Which element is controlled by Water by extinguishing it in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Fire
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, which element is associated with the qualities of being workable, solid, and can be bent and straightened?
Earth
According to the seasonal cycle in TCM, which element is most active during the fall season?
Metal
Which element in TCM has the quality of being combustible, warming, and flares upwards?
Fire
In the generating cycle of the 5 elements in TCM, which element creates Metal by containing it?
Water
Which direction is associated with the Wood element in TCM?
Expansion
During which season is the Earth element most active according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Summer
Which element is associated with the emotion of worry and the taste of pungent?
Metal Element
What organ is associated with the Earth Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Spleen
Which sense is linked to the Water Element in TCM?
Ears
Seasons are associated with which element in TCM?
Wood Element
Which organ is not associated with the Wood Element?
Heart
What secretion is associated with the Metal Element?
Mucous
Which emotion is related to the Fire Element?
Joy and anxiety
Which taste is not associated with the Earth Element?
Sour
What is the function of the Triple Burner/San Jiao Upper Burner according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Lungs
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, which TCM organ is part of the Lower Burner according to the Organ Mapping on the Tongue?
Bladder
Which aspect of pulse diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine assesses the speed of the pulse?
Rhythm
According to TCM principles, what does a 'wiry' pulse indicate in pulse diagnosis?
Excess
Which TCM organ is associated with the Middle Burner according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Stomach
In TCM pulse taking locations, what does 'thready' width of the pulse indicate?
Weakness
'Slippery' quality in TCM pulse diagnosis is associated with which condition?
'Wiry'
What symptoms are associated with Summer Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Aversion to heat, sweating, dark urine, dry lips
Which pulse condition is associated with Summer Heat according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Rapid and wiry pulse
Which aspect of the tongue might a TCM practitioner observe in a patient with Summer Heat?
Red tongue with prickles on its surface
What could be a common misconception about Summer Heat and Yin deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Yin deficiency can only result from Summer Heat
How do the symptoms of Summer Heat differ from those of Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Summer Heat has scanty dark urine while Dampness has clear urine
Which body part may indicate Summer Heat according to Traditional Chinese Medicine tongue diagnosis?
The sides of the tongue
What tongue characteristic is commonly associated with Summer Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Red tongue with prickles
Which sense organ may be affected by Summer Heat according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Eyes causing blurred vision
How can TCM practitioners differentiate between Summer Heat and other conditions based on pulse diagnosis?
Summer Heat often displays a rapid and forceful pulse
What tongue presentation is indicative of Heat as a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Red tongue
Which pathogenic factor in TCM is associated with a stiff tongue and quivering of the tongue?
Wind
In TCM, what does a pale tongue indicate in terms of the vital substance?
Blood Deficiency
Which symptom is associated with a Dry pathogenic factor on the tongue according to TCM?
Very dry tongue
What does the Wind pathogenic factor cause in terms of tongue presentation in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Quiver of the tongue
Which coloration of the tongue is associated with Cold as a pathogenic factor according to TCM?
Bluish-purple tongue
What is the interaction between Food Qi and Air that forms Zong Qi closely related to?
Functions of the Heart and Lungs
What is the primary function of Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Nourishing the Internal Organs
How does Blood relate to the mental activities and the mind according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Foundation of mental activities
Which organ in TCM is responsible for storing Blood?
Liver
What is the function of Thick Fluids (Ye) in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Lubricate joint cavities, bone marrow, and CSF
What is the primary function of Qi according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Promoting growth & development
What happens to a man's Essence at 32 years according to the text?
The tendons and bones are at their strongest
What signifies a woman's Essence at 21 years based on the text?
Wisdom teeth coming in
Which type of Qi is rooted in the Kidneys and needs to be supplemented by food essence?
Yuan Qi
What is the first stage in the transformation of food into Qi according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Food Qi
What occurs in the 8-year cycle for men at 48 years according to the text?
The hair whitens
How can Yuan Qi be depleted in the body according to TCM principles?
Prolonged illness
At what age does a woman's Essence ascend, leading to the teeth changing and hair growing according to the text?
7 years
Which type of Qi in TCM protects the body from external attacks?
Wei Qi
What is a significant change in a man's Essence at 40 years based on the text?
Hair falling out and teeth being loose
At what age do women start experiencing weakness in the three Yang Meridians above their face, leading to a dark complexion and white hair?
42 years
Which meridian is considered deficient at 49 years, leading to weakness and infertility according to the text?
Conception Meridian
What mental activity is closely related to the Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Ideas
Which of the following is NOT a function related to SHEN (MIND) 神 as described in the text?
Senses
What begins to happen at the age of 35 years according to the text, associated with the weakening of the Yang Brightness Meridian?
Face darkens
Study Notes
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
- Recognizes the inseparable relationship of body, mind, and Spirit and Nature
- History dates back to at least 2,200 years
- Five Elements (Wu Xing) theory established in 1000-770 BCE
- Earliest written record of TCM is the Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) from the 3rd century BCE
Principles of TCM
- Holism: treats the patient as a whole, not just a disease
- Balance: aim to achieve balance and harmony in the body
- Prevention: prevention is the best cure
- Pattern Differentiation: treats the patient's unique pattern, not just a disease
- Innate self-healing capacity: the body has the ability to heal itself
Yin and Yang
- Fundamental principles of TCM
- Yin: material, receptive, passive, cold, and feminine
- Yang: immaterial, creative, active, hot, and masculine
- Opposite but interconnected, constantly changing, and mutually consuming
- Apply to the body, seasons, and directions
Five Elements
- Wood: corresponds to the Liver and Gall Bladder, spring, and east
- Fire: corresponds to the Heart and Small Intestine, summer, and south
- Earth: corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach, late summer, and center
- Metal: corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine, autumn, and west
- Water: corresponds to the Kidney and Urinary Bladder, winter, and north
Tongue Diagnosis
- Observes the body color, shape, coating, moisture, and spirit
- Reflects the condition of the Yin Organs, Blood, and Nutritive Qi
- Reliable for monitoring the patient's condition
Pulse Diagnosis
- Feels the rate, strength, width, and quality of the pulse
- Reflects the state of balance of the body, Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang
- Used in conjunction with tongue diagnosis
TCM in Naturopathic Practice
- Applications of TCM can be used powerfully in conjunction with naturopathic modalities
- Use of acupuncture and TCM principles in conjunction with naturopathic practice
Eight Principles
- Yin-Yang, Heat-Cold, Internal-External, Excess-Deficiency
- Used to identify patterns and manifestations of disease
Pattern Differentiation
- Rather than a symptom or diagnosis, TCM looks at the whole picture of the patient to determine a pattern
- Identifies patterns according to the Eight Principles### Organ Impairment and Pathogenic Factors
- Organ impairment can be caused by diet, drugs, alcohol, medication, overwork, emotional factors, or external pathogens that penetrate the interior and begin to damage organ systems.
- Six External Pernicious (Pathogenic) Influences/Factors:
- Wind
- Cold
- Heat
- Dampness
- Dryness
- Summer Heat
Wind
- Yang in nature
- Usually used as a source for other factors to enter
- Arises quickly and changes rapidly
- Moves around
- Affects the lungs first (External Wind)
- Liver is affected for Internal Wind
- Causes tremors or convulsions, stiffness, paralysis
- Symptoms:
- Stiffness, rigidity, contraction of the muscles with sudden onset
- Pain that moves from joint to joint, especially the upper part of the body
- DDX: Wind Cold, Wind Heat
Cold
- Injures Yang
- Contracts and congeals
- Causes clear discharge
- Symptoms:
- Sleepiness
- Severe localized pain improved by heat
- White tongue coating and body discharges
- Slow pulse
- Craves warmth, aversion to cold, feels cold
- Pale complexion
- Lack of thirst
- Loose stool
- Clear and profuse urine
Heat
- Yang in nature
- Blazes upwards
- Drying - damages Blood and Yin
- May cause bleeding
- Potential to generate Wind when severe
- Affects the mind
- Symptoms:
- High fever, desires cold, aversion to heat, heat sensation
- Redness - skin, face, eyes, and complexion
- Thirst
- Constipation (complicated) or foul smelling diarrhea
- Scanty, dark yellow urine
- Restlessness, irritability
- Bleeding symptoms - cough, vomit, nose, gums, urine, stool, skin
- Rapid anything - including pulse, breathing rate
- Yellow tongue coating (full heat) and other body discharges, red tongue body
Dampness
- Excess of Yin
- From damp environments: clothes, living, wading, diet, lack of movement
- Sticky and difficult to get rid of
- Symptoms:
- Feeling of heaviness, pain, or anything worse with damp
- Anything swollen and/or oozing
- No appetite, bloating, made worse with food
- Cloudiness of discharges
- Pulses: Slippery
- Tongue: Sticky coat and/or fat, swollen tongue
Dryness
- Usually from very dry and/or hot weather, internal heat, dry warming foods and/or herbs, lack of fluid intake, not enough fruit and veggies, salty processes food, etc.
- All symptoms are DRY
- Internal dryness is a form of Yin deficiency without heat signs or symptoms
- Can result from Heat too
- Symptoms:
- Dryness of the skin, mouth, throat, etc.
Summer Heat
- Yang in nature
- Only in the "summer"
- Like a heat stroke
- Combo of Heat and Damp
- Usually only encountered in 1st aid situations
- Symptoms:
- Aversion to heat
- Sweating/no
- Headache
- Scanty dark urine
- Dry lips
- Feeling of heaviness
- Irritability
- Thirst, no thirst if severe
- Pulses: Rapid
- Tongue: Red on the sides and tip
- May see delirium, slurred speech, and unconsciousness
Pathogenic Factors on the Tongue
- Cold: White coating; can also be thin if other clinical symptoms are present
- Heat: Yellow coat
- Red tongue
- Wind: Quiver of the tongue, stiffness of the tongue, deviation of the tongue
- Damp: Very wet tongue
- Dry: Very dry tongue
Vital Substances
- Qi
- Blood
- Body Fluids
- Essence
Qi
- "Qi is the root of the human body; the stem & leaves would dry up without a root"
- Functions:
- Promoting: Growth & development
- Warming: Warmth is maintained by readjusting Qi
- Defence: Wei Qi Protects the body from exterior attacks
- Checking: Maintains homeostasis
- Nourishing: Ying Qi or Nutritive Qi
- Types of Qi:
- Yuan Qi
- Food Qi
- Zong Qi
- Ying Qi
- Wei Qi
- Zang-Fu (Organ) Qi
Blood
- Formed from mainly Food Qi
- Functions:
- Nourishment & moisture
- Movement of the eyes & 4 limbs
- Nourishes hair, sinews, bones & bowels
- Foundation of mental activities; houses the mind
- Circulates with Ying Qi
- Determines Menstruation
- "Qi is the commander of Blood, and Blood is the mother of Qi"
Body Fluids
- All the fluids within the body
- Functions:
- Moisturize skin, muscles, organs, mucous membranes, and orifices
- Classified as either Jin (Thin) or Ye (Thick)
- Thin Fluids (Jin):
- Circulate with defensive Qi
- Controlled by the Lung
- Warm and nourish muscles and moisten skin
- Clear and watery in nature
- Found on mucous membranes and the skin
- Becomes the fluid portion of blood
- Thick Fluids (Ye):
- Circulate with nutritive Qi
- Controlled by the Spleen & Kidney
- Lubricate joint cavities, bone marrow, and CSF
- Turbid and viscous in nature
- Found in the bowels, brain, bones, and viscera
Essence
- AKA Jing
- Primary substance for growth and development
- Types:
- Prenatal Essence (From parents)
- Postnatal Essence (From foods and fluids eat daily)
- 8-Year Cycle for Men:
- At 8 years, Essence is full
- At 16 years, Essence is abundant
- At 24 years, Essence plateaus
- At 32 years, tendons and bones are at their strongest, and the flesh is full and strong
- At 40 years, Essence is weakened
- At 48 years, Yang Qi is exhausted
- At 56 years, Liver (Essence) is weak
- At 64 years, hair and teeth are gone
- 7-Year Cycle for Women:
- At 7 years, Essence is ascendant
- At 14 years, Dew of Heaven arrives
- At 21 years, Essence plateaus
- At 28 years, tendons and bones are strong
- At 35 years, Yang Brightness Meridian weakens
- At 42 years, three Yang Meridians are weak
- At 49 years, Conception Meridian is Deficient
Learn about the certification requirements for TCM acupuncture, including supervised clinical training and study hours in Traditional Oriental Medicine. Topics include syndrome differentiation, point prescriptions, acupuncture anatomy, physiology, pathology, techniques, and point location.
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